BIOGRAPHY
Brendan Toohey is a classically trained clarinetist who specialises in advanced solo and ensemble performance. Currently based in Melbourne, Brendan is equally at home playing solo recitals, chamber music, orchestral and concert band repertoire on all members of the extended clarinet family.
Brendan also frequently performs on saxophone and occasionally on flute and bassoon in jazz and musical theatre settings.
Originally hailing from Brisbane, Brendan Toohey is an experienced clarinet specialist, multi-woodwind doubler and educator. From 2007, Brendan studied clarinet performance at the Queensland Conservatorium of Music with the Associate Principal Clarinet of the Queensland Symphony Orchestra, Brian Catchlove. Brendan graduated from the Conservatorium with a Bachelor of Music (First Class Honours) in 2010. In 2011, Brendan completed his Licentiate Diploma in clarinet performance with Distinction (LmusA), won first prize in the Australian Clarinet and Saxophone conference competition, the Queensland Clarinet and Saxophone society competition and the Brisbane Philharmonic Orchestra's Mozart Concerto Competition. In 2012, Brendan moved to Melbourne to complete a Master of Arts degree in Clarinet performance at Monash University, studying with David Griffiths. Brendan has performed with many professional and community ensembles including symphony orchestras, concert bands, jazz bands and musical pit orchestras in both Brisbane and Melbourne. Brendan currently teaches music full-time at a number of different schools throughout Melbourne in addition to teaching students privately outside of school hours.
Photography: Cameron Jamieson